Nigeria Roundup: Mpox cases, minimum wage, cholera cases
Mpox cases
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has observed a significant decline in suspected and confirmed Mpox cases across the country, with 51 new suspected cases reported between weeks 29 to 32 of 2024. According to Nairametrics, there have been 1,125 confirmed cases and 17 deaths since 2017. The NCDC advises vigilance and measures to curb the spread of Mpox, particularly in states currently reporting cases. The World Health Organization has declared mpox a global public health emergency due to a severe outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Man dies during fasting
A 58-year-old man died while undergoing a 19-day spiritual dry fast in Lagos. The police confirmed the incident and stated that no foul play was suspected. The family has requested to convey the corpse for burial, Premium Times reports.
Cholera cases
Nigeria has seen a rise in cholera cases and deaths, with 121 new suspected cases reported in five states. Premium Times reports that the country has recorded a total of 5,951 suspected cases and 176 deaths between January and August 2024. This surge is linked to contaminated water supply, unregulated street beverages, and open defecation. Children under 5 are the most affected group. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare has called for a unified effort to combat the outbreak.
Food security and climate change
The US government has announced a $27 million humanitarian aid package for Nigeria to assist vulnerable populations and build resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts. This funding, according to Vanguard, is part of the US government's $536 million humanitarian aid package to sub-Saharan Africa and will be channeled through the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance. The aid aims to address the critical needs of vulnerable individuals across the sub-Saharan region, including refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons, stateless individuals, and other conflict-affected people. US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, emphasised the impact of the new funding, stating that it demonstrates the US' unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing humanitarian challenges and building resilience against food insecurity and climate change impacts.
Minimum wage
The implementation of Nigeria's new minimum wage of N70,000 ($45) may be delayed due to necessary adjustments. Only seven out of 36 states have set up committees for its implementation, Africa Business Insider reports. The Nigeria Labour Congress warns of a delay, citing the need for formalities and consequential adjustments before the minimum wage can go into effect.
